Woven International Update

Woven International rescues and restores girls affected by exploitation and human trafficking in SE Asia through safe homes, education and work opportunities. Over the last number of years Westside has organized several teams who have visited the project and through their expertise and personal skills were able to help enhance the project's efforts, many continue to do so as volunteers in Canada and overseas. Westside financially supports Woven safe houses for girls 8 -18 years old in this creative access nation,

Continue below for an update from Woven’s Jana Rust.

After many years of dreaming, hoping and praying, 7 memebers of the Woven staff and volunteer team have been able to make their first trip to Laos to visit the project they have been praying for and representing so faithfully.

The Vocational Training Centre, a 10-year dream that Westside, along with other supporters, helped turn into reality, is moving closer and closer to opening its doors to its first students. In January, the school will start its first two certification programs - hair styling and barista training, under the tutelage of teachers from the project’s own team.

Christmas shopping has began for the girls in our safe homes. While visiting the project, I was able to join the staff in order to purchase 35 hand woven fabrics for the girls’ traditional new skirts

I spent a night with some of our girls playing games and hanging out. I relish the privilege to be a positive and encouraging presence in their lives. I rarely know their full story and can be someone who sees them visit after visit growing, developing, maturing, celebrating their achievement without their past casting a shadow over who they are in my eyes.

Join us in a prayer for our mission partner Woven International.

God of Grace. We thank for Woven international and the work they are doing to bear witness to your coming Kingdom. We pray for the girls affected by exploitation and human trafficking, we ask you bring healing and restoration to their minds, their bodies and their souls. We pray an end to all forms of violence and injustice in Laos that dehumanizes your beloved children. Give Woven the resources and wisdom to serve these girls effectively and Lord give rest to all workers as they seek to do your will.

We pray this in the precious, beautiful name of Jesus Christ.

Amen